Yvette has been downgraded from a category 1 storm to a tropical low.

The Bureau of Meteorology has urged people from Cape Leveque to Port Hedland to remain on watch.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Yvette has been moving toward the east but is expected to turn toward the southeast during Friday,” BoM said.

“It may re-intensify early on Saturday and produce gales on the coast late on Saturday or on Christmas Day.” 

Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum executive director Simon Ridge said mining and petroleum operations should ensure contingency plans were established and could be activated when needed.

"It is crucial that everyone knows what to do in the event of a cyclone impacting their operations," Mr Ridge said.

"Cyclone behaviour is difficult to predict, and while the tropical lows off the coasts of Port Hedland and the Kimberley have not reached cyclone status as yet, it is vital to prepare your site and staff early."

A joint safety alert developed by DMP and WorkSafe offers the following advice for workplaces in cyclone-sensitive regions.

1. Employers should develop emergency procedures and plans in conjunction with advice from DFES and other regional emergency planning groups where their work sites and camps are located.

2. The emergency plans should include details for making the site safe and ensuring the safety of personnel as far as is practicable. This should include the removal or restraint of loose objects and structures and evacuation of personnel. The plans must be communicated to all personnel likely to be on site during the cyclone season.

3. Every accommodation unit or donga and every transportable building on work sites in cyclone sensitive regions should be adequately secured.

4. During the Blue and Yellow Alert Cyclone Warning phase, a safe and orderly evacuation of non-essential personnel from the work site or camp should be considered before high intensity cyclones pass by.

5. To prevent injuries during transfer, any personnel remaining on site during the cyclone should be moved to a designated appropriate shelter well in advance of the arrival of the cyclone.

6. Where personnel are required to stay on site, adequate stocks of food and other essential items should be available during the period when the site may be cut off due to high winds or flooding.

7. During the Red Alert Cyclone Warning phase, when all power has to be isolated or in the eventuality of damage or interruption occurring to the power supply or telephone and internet connections, an adequate means of reliable emergency backup communication should be available on site to make contact with external emergency services should help or assistance be required.

8. Each site should continuously monitor cyclone warnings issued on radio, television or the Bureau of Meteorology or DFES websites. Battery-powered radios should be available in the event of power interruptions on site.